Volusia County beaches home to record number of sea turtle nests this season

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The latest reports from Volusia County Environmental Management show 634 sea turtle nests on Volusia County beaches so far this nesting season, which began May 1.

Of these, 16 are green sea turtles and 618 are loggerheads, historically the most common turtles to nest on Volusia County’s beaches. The previous record high for turtle nests was 628 in 1999. In 2007, officials logged 562 nests.

This record number of sea turtle nests is expected to increase, as female turtles will continue to come ashore and deposit eggs through September. To date, more than 22,000 sea turtles have hatched and made their way to the ocean, with another 33,000 expected to hatch before the turtle season officially ends Oct. 31.

Only 20 turtle nests were lost due to Tropical Storm Fay. “It could have been much worse,” said Jennifer Winters, sea turtle Habitat Conservation Plan program manager. “Twenty lost nests is a very low number when you consider there were 420 marked nests before the storm hit.”

Residents and visitors to Volusia County’s beaches should continue to observe lighting restrictions to ensure sea turtle hatchlings safely reach the water, said Vicki Pleus, a Volusia County spokeswoman.

Restrictions include shielding exterior lights and closing blinds or curtains to reduce the amount of light reaching the beach. This artificial light disorients baby sea turtles and reduces their chance of survival.

Further, beach walkers should cover their flashlights with red film to be less disruptive to hatchlings trying to reach the water’s edge, Pleus said.